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Thursday, June 01, 2006

Colorado Rockies Management Wants A Team of Angels

Colorado Rockies had a unique front page story of USA today a couple days ago. The article was about how the Rockies management are seeking out people of character namely Christians to play for the Rockies. The article talks in depth about such issues as weekly prayer meetings and the absence of adult-themed magazines and obscene music.

A few highlights from the USA today article:"While praising their players, Rockies executives make clear they believe God has had a hand in the team's improvement."

"Music filled with obscenities, wildly popular with youth today and in many other clubhouses, is not played. A player will curse occasionally but usually in hushed tones. Quotes from Scripture are posted in the weight room. Chapel service is packed on Sundays. Prayer and fellowship groups each Tuesday are well-attended. It's not unusual for the front office executives to pray together."

"No copies of Playboy or Penthouse are in the clubhouse of baseball's Colorado Rockies. There's not even a Maxim. The only reading materials are daily newspapers, sports and car magazines and the Bible."

A few highlights from the Rocky Mountain News article:"I get Maxim (a men's magazine) sent to me in the mail in the clubhouse," first baseman Todd Helton said.

"I thought the story was over the top," [Jason Jennings] said. "I have strong beliefs, but I don't judge others and I never will. My opinion is we look for good character guys, not Christian guys. A good teammate doesn't have to have the same beliefs you have. A good teammate is a good person who plays to win."

Collin Hansen of Christianity Today responded to this news story with some good thoughts. In summary, he ties the news to the personal conviction of Rockies managment (Charlie Monfort, Clint Hurdle, and Dan O'Dowd) over the players conviction. Obviously that makes sense since USA Today makes Todd Helton out to be an Angel, and Todd Helton virtually rejects those claims in the Rocky Mountain News Article.Some Highlights from the Christianity Today article:

"Monfort, the CEO, and manager Clint Hurdle told USA Today they became Christians three years ago. Monfort abandoned a party lifestyle that had landed him 18 months of probation for driving while impaired. "

"USA Today ran a fair, balanced, mostly positive story about the Rockies. But the editors didn't put this on the front page to encourage other teams to adopt the Rockies model. This story plays into fears of undue Christian influence on American institutions—including the national pastime."

"God does not promise that our good behavior will reap financial rewards—or wins. He does not promise to protect us from suffering—or injuries. He promises much more for his people—that justice will ultimately be done, that if we remain faithful, we will live with him and enjoy him forever."

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